Vehicle-wheel.



PATENTED SEPT. 17, 1907. H. VILLIERS-STUART.

VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLIOATION FILED DB0.10,1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

y 0V u y r l M mwlllnll No. 866,540. PATENTED SEPT. n17

H. VILLIERS-STUART.

VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLIOATION FILED DEU. 1o, 1906.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

m ml WTNESSES HORACE VILLIERS-STUART, (3F LOUISVILLE, KEl\Il"U CKY.Y

VEHICLE-WHEEL.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 17, 1907.

Application nea December 1o, 1906. serial No. 347,147.

VehicleWheels; and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof,

reference being had to the accompanying drawings,

which form part of this specification. y

This invention is an improvement in vehicle Wheels, and is especially adapted for Wheels used on automo biles, and other heavy self-propelled vehicles, but can be usefully applied to carrying wheels of all sorts'of vehicles where a cushion-tired wheel is desired.

TheV object of the invention is to provide a wheel possessing the resiliency and flexibility of a cushioned.

or pneumatic tired wheel, Without employing pneumatic or cushioned tires; but instead the Wheel is provided with a series of radially yielding tire segments which may be hard surfaced so as to wear indefinitely, andryet are so connected with and attached to the body of the wheel that'they can move on radial lines, so thatA the pr tion oi the tread of the wheel to which pressure is applied can yield, the amount of yielding depending upon the resilient cushioning etfect of springs or equivalent devices by which each tire segment is held normally in outermost position; but in my present Wheel I not only provide each tire segment with its individual cushioning device, but I so construct the wheel that each tire segment is additionally cushioned and controlled by the cushioning device of every other segment in the Wheel, so that while the individual tire cushioning devices may be comparatively weak, their sum total is great, and sufficient to enable the wheel to stand the shocks and pressures incident to usage without injury,4 and without unduly displacing the particular tire-segment to which pressure is applied; furthermore by my novel construction all the tiresegments are caused to practically move inwardly or outwardly in unison, that is, if the tire-segment to which pressure is applied yields, the others must correspondingly yield. Again I utilize the centrifugal action of' the tire-segments to reinforce or augment the i cushioning devices when the vehicle is moving, for the rotative movement of the wheel tends to throw the tiresegrnents away from the center, and the total amount of such centrifugal force is used to assist the cushioning devices in resisting the inward yielding movement of anytire-section to which pressure is applied.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown wheels embodying the invention', and will describe the same with reference to the drawings, remarking that the invention is not restricted to the specific structures shown', but' is well defined in the claims appended to the description.

In the drawings/ Figure 1 is a side elevation of a Fig. 7.

complete, wheel `embodying the invention and showing the present preferred form thereof. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of part of such Wheel with the outer covers partly broken away to show the interior parts` Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on line 3 3, Fig. l. Fig.' 4 is a section on line 4 4, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a section on line 5 5, Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of one o f the tire-segments on line 6 6, Fig. 3.V Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing a modified construction. Fig. 8 is a section on line 8 8, Fig. 9 is anenlarged detail view of the compensating levers and constructions. Fig. l0 is a seetion on line'10 l0, Fig. 8, looking upwardly. The. Wheel has a hub l of any suitable construction, from which radiate tubular spokes lJ1 preferably of metal, and twenty in number, although I do not restrict myself to such number of spokes. These spokes are fixedly attached at their outer ends to an annular hollow rim lb, having openings in its outer periphery opposite the ends of the spokes l, through which openings extend-the sliding spoke members 2 which telescope into the spokes la, as shown. Suitable cushioning devices, such as helical springs 2, are interposedl between the inner ends of spoke-inembers 2 and the hub l, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, such cushioning devices being concealed in and protected by the hollow spokes la. The spokememb'ers have a close sliding fit in the spokes, and they pass through stuling boxes l in the hollow rim lb, and through glands lb closing the stufiing boxes and surrounding the spokemembers, asin ordinary stuffing construction.

To the outer end of each spoke-member is connected a tire-segment 2 which may be formed of metal, and the outer sunaces of such segments are curved on arcs conforming to the largest circumference of the wheel, the segments corresponding in number with the spokes, and -being of such length-that they 'together form practically a continuous tire, the segments beingseparated i i only sufficiently to allow their proper radial movement.

The segments and spoke-members may be kept from rotating or turning in the spokes and rim by any suitable means; as shown the tire-segments have side rubbing plates 2d which contact with annular'side plates lA which are connected with the rim l" and inclose the stuiiing-box glands, and the projecting ends of the spoke-members, but permit the tire-segments to move inwardly and outwardly, or radiady to th'e wheel. The tire-segments 2 may be faced with. wear-plates 2" of steel, rubber, raw-hide or other desired material according to the intended usage of the Wheel. If intended to be used for tram or railroad cars, the tire-segments could be flanged, as indicated in dotted lines at in Fig. 3.

Thus far it will be seen each tire-segment-'has its -indi- V vidual spoke-member to support it, andan individual cushioning device to resslits inward movement.

Each spoke-member 2 is provided withV a pin or bolt 21 which projects through slots l, Il. in the side walls of the rim Ib, and a link 3'is hung on one projecting end of suchbolt, said link extending outwardly, andis pivotally connected to one side of a rocking sector 3l which 5 is pivoted at its axis on a stud 3b attached to the adjacent side wall of rim lb, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5. I desired the sectors could be mounted on the pins 3b by ball-bearings, as indicated at 3 in Fig.' 5.. The sectors are arranged between the spoke-members, as shown in Fig. 2, and the end of each sector opposite the link 3, is' preferably connected to one end of a short stout helical spring 3d, the other end of which is attached to the wall of rim l.b as shown at 3X, Fig. 2. Thus springs 3l supplement and assist springs 2l. Preferably the several l5 sectors 3 are peripherally connected by suitable. flexible means, so that when one is' moved the others will he correspondingly affected; a band or wlre is shown in Fig. 7, and in Figs. 2 to 4, I show a sprocket-chain 3e which I now think preferable, and for this purpose the sectors 3 in Figs. 2 4 are shown as toothed, so as to engage the sprocket-chain 3c. The connection should be such that when one sector 3 is rocked the others will be' correspondingly rocked. Obviously if this be the case, when any one tire-segment is pressed inward, its connected sect'or is rocked, and as the other sectors are similarly rocked, every tire-segment in the wheel will be correspondingly moved inward; therefore every cushioning device in the wheel will contribute to resist the displacement of any of the tire-segments and to rc- A turn such segment to its outermost position if displaced.

-`/"\Iu this construction the cushioning devices may be much lighter and stronger than would be required if each had to be able to bear the strain alone.-again the wheel will be kept symmetrical at all times, for its periphery expands or contracts substantially uniformly; and'also every sector spring contributes toward the cushioning of the tire as a whole.

In the modification shown in Figs. 7 -to l0, all the described advantages are obtained, but instead of con- 40 necting the spoke-members directly to the sectors, the links 3 are pivotally connected to the adjacent ends of oscillating levers 4, which are pivoted on the side wall of the rim l as at 4", the ends of adjacent levers 4 bctween the links 3 being pivotally connected, as at'fll', so that when one set of levers is rocked by the inward movement of the spoke-members connected therewith, all the other spoke-members will be similarly moved, and thus the same effect obtained as is effected by the sectors 3" and chain 30. In addition sectors 5 may be provided which are pivoted on theI wall of rim l as shown at 5ft. These sectors may be connected wi th the adjacent links if desired, as in Fig. 2; but when the levers 4 are used, it is not necessary to connect-each sector 5 directly to the spoke-inemlnirs. Instead every 5b fourth sector may be connected to the adjacent link 3,

as indicated at 5" in Fig. 7, and the second intermediate sector may be connected to the pivot connection ol' the adjacent levers 4, as indicated at 5c Fig. 7. Instead of a sprocket-chain wire cables (i might be employcd, connecting the several sectors, so that all will move alike. The first and third intermediate sectors 5, not directly connected with either chain or links may be employed simply as idlers to guide the cables 6.

In addition to the springs and cushioning devices, centrifugal force is also utilized in resistin t he pweure on any tire-segment, by reason of the described connections between the several spoke-sections. Thus as the wheel rotates the sections naturally tend to fly outward, this tendency increasing in power as the speed of the wheel increases, and when any tire-segment is pushed inward such movement is resisted by the combined centrifugal motion of every other free tire-segment and spoke-member.

The sectors and chain may be housed by means of annular plates 7, 73, bolted tothe outer sides of rim lb as shown in the drawings. And the chamber thus formed may be filled with oil so as to keep all the movingr parts thoroughly lubricated and exclude dust there-k from; the stufiing-boxes prevent waste of the oil without hindering the radial movements of the spoke-members and tire-segments. The invention provides a yielding cushioned whee with hard treads not liable to be punctured or burst; enables larger wheels to be used for motor cars, thus, insuring an easier motion to the car; increases the cushioning effect on the tire-segments; makes each tiresegment reinforce the other; and utilizes centrifugal force to maintain the elasticity of the rim.

Having described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent isz- 1. In a wheel, the combination of radially movable tiresegments, connections whereby the radial displacement of one segment is similarly transmitted to all of the other segments, and cushioning devices for automatically returning the segments to normal positions 2. In a wheel, the combination of radially movable spoke-members. tire-segments attached to and movable with said spoke-members, connect ions whereby the radial displacementv o1' one spoke-member is similarly transmitted to all of the other spoke-members. and cushioning devices for autonnitically returning the spoke-members to normal position. v

8. In :i wheel, the eomblnaton of radially movable tiresegments. a cushioningl device for 'each segment, und connections between such segments, whereby the radial dsplacement of one segment causes a eorresjmnding movement of all of the other segments.

4, In a wheel, the combination ot' radially movable spoke-members, tire-segments attached to such spoke-memi bers, cushioning devices l'or each spolw-tueniber, and con nections between such members whereby the radial dtsplaeement of one spoke-member causes a corresponding .'lisplneement ot' all o1' the other spokemembers.

ln .f1 wheel, the combination of tubular spokes, radinlly inovnble spolw-membcrs fitted therein, cushioning: deA vices for such spnlememlters. tire-segments on the outer .ends ol" said sjmke-memIwrs, und equaliziin;- connections between the several spoke-memlers whereby the rndlnl displacement of .one spoke member similarly affects all the other spoke members.

ii. In u wheel, the combination ot' radially movable tiresegments, n series of pivoted sectors. and connectlons between the sectors. and tire-segments whereby the movement of one tire-segment simil: 'ly moves all the others.

T. ln uwvheel, the combination of radially movable 125 spolieonembers, tire-segments connected thereto, a series ol' pivoted sectors, and connections between the sectors and spoke-members whereby the movement of one tire-seg ment similarly moves all the others.

8. 1n a wheel. the combination of a rim, radially movable tiresegments, sectors pivoted on the rim adjacent to the segments, links pivotally connecting the spoke members to the sectors, and a flexible connection between the sectors.

9. ln a wheel, the combination 'of a rim, rndially-movjl able spoke-members projecting through the rim, cushioning devices for such members, rire-segments attached to the outer ends of the spoke-members sectors plvoted on the rim, connections between the`sectors and spoke-members, and connections betwe'cn the sectors, substantially as described.

10. In a wheel, the combination of a rim, radially movvable spoke-members, tire-segments, sectorspiv0ted on the sectors pivoted on the rim, connections between the sectors and spoke-members, and iexible connections between the sectors. substantially as described.

12. In a wheel, the combination of a hub, spokes, and a rim connected to the spokes, tire-segments projecting beyond the rim and movable radially thereof; sectors pivoted on the rim, link connections between the sectors and tire-segments, and flexible connections between the segments whereby the radial movement of one tire-segment is imparted correspondinglyto the other segments.

121. In a wheel, the combination of a hub, radial spokes, and a rim connected to the spokes, spoke-members projecting .beyond the rim and movable radially thereto, and tire-segments on the outer ends of the spoke-members; with sectors pivoted on the rim, link connections between the sectors and spoke-members, and flexible connections between the sectors, whereby the radial movement of one tire-segment is imparted correspondingly` to the other segments,

14. In a wheel, the combination of a h'ub, radial spokes, and a rim connected to the spokes, spoke-members tele- ,scoping with the spokes and projecting through the rim,

tirescgr-icnts attached to the outer ends of the spoke- 'mcinbcrs, sectors pivoted onl the rim adjacent to the spoke-members, links connecting the sectors with-the spokemcmbcrs, and flexible connections between the sectors, whereby the radial movement of one segment is,transinitted to cach of the others, .substantially as described.

y J7 ln afwhecl, the combination of a hub, radial tubular spokes. and a 'h'ollow rim connected to the spokes, spokemembers telescoping with the spokes and` projecting through the rim, tire-segments attached to the outer ends of the spoke-members 4sectors pivoted on the rim adjacent .to the spoke-members, links connecting the sectors with the spoke-members, and a chain connectngthe several sectors, whereby the radial movement of one segment is transmitted to each of the others.

1G. In a wheel, the combination of a hub, spokes and rim, radially movable spoke-members connected to the rim, cushioning devices foreach spoke-member, radially movable t'ire-segments connected to the outer ends of each spoke-member, sectors pivoted to the rim, links connecting the spoke-members to the adjacent sectors, springs connccting'the other ends'of the sectors to the rim, and a tlexi` ble connection between the several sectors.

17. In a wheel, the combination of a rim, radially movable spoke-members projecting through the rim, cushioning devices for such members, tire-segments attached to the outer ends of the spoke-members, sectors plvoted on the rim, connectionsbetween the sectors and spoke-members, and connections between the sectors-with a housing attached to the rim and inclosing4 the sectors and their connections, and side plates attached to the rim on opposite sides of the tire-segments. I'

18. In a wheel, the combination ot a hub, spokes and' rim, radially movable spoke-members telescoping with the spokes and passing through the rim, tire-segments on the outer ends of the spoke-members, rocking sectors p ivoted on the rim, links pivotally connecting the sectors with the adjacent spoke-members, ailexible connection between the several sectors-and side plates attached to the rlm and partly inclosing the tire-segments.

19. In a wheeL-the combination of a hub, spokes and `rim, radially movable spoke-members connected to the vattached to the rim on opposite sides ofthe tire-segments.

20. In a wheel, the combination of a hub, spokes and hollow rim, radially' movable spoke-members telescoping with the spokes and passing through the rlm,.tlreseg ments on the outer endsof the spoke-members, stuiingboxes attached to the rim and through which thespokemembers pass, rockingV sectors pivoted on the rim, links connecting the sectors with the adjacent spoke-members, a flexible connection between the several sectors; a housing attached to the rim and inclosing the sectors and their connections, and forming an oil-chamber, and side-plates attached to the rim and partly inc losing the tire-segments.

i In testimony that I claimthe foregoing as my own, I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.`

HORACE VILLIERS-STUART.

Witnesses:

E. G. WALKER, T. C, GAINns. 

